Howland, "which is what I wish to
speak to you about."
He paused, and as Dan made no reply he continued:
"You did a mighty fine piece of work for us in landing those guns--you
have placed my company considerably in debt to you; but of that more
later. At the present time I want to tell you that these infernal
revolutionists have burned Belle View--which," turning to his daughter,
"may alter your sympathies a trifle, Virginia--and therefore
necessitates more or less of a change of programme--"
"Belle View burned!" interpolated Virginia. "Why, father, what--"
"As I was saying," resumed Mr. Howland, "we've got to shift things
about. In the first place, if Belle View were not burned, I should
hardly feel safe in having the crowd there with conditions as they
are--and things are not especially pleasant in this city.
However,--how long will it take to get away from here, Captain?"
"We must take on some coal, and Hendrickson has drawn the fires and is
reaming in some new boiler-tubes. We could get away inside of
forty-eight hours, I think."
"Good; let's do it, then. We'll call at San Domingo, Hayti, Jamaica,
and other places to make up for spoiling your house-party, Virginia.
In the meantime I have secured good quarters for our guests at the
Hotel Garcia, where to-night I give the Government a dinner.
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